More Quotes
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: “The main areas of concern to us [Israel] are the arms that are already in Syria — these are anti-aircraft weapons, these are chemical weapons and other very, very dangerous weapons that could be game-changers…They will change the conditions, the balance of power in the Middle East. They could present a terrorist threat on a worldwide scale. It is definitely our interest to defend ourselves, but we also think it is in the interest of other countries.”
(Source: BBC News)
Foreign Secretary William Hague: “It is a pleasure to extend the best wishes of the United Kingdom to the people of Israel on Independence Day. The UK and Israel share a strong friendship that is anchored in democratic values and many common interests. Our support for Israel and Israel’s security remains unshakeable. As the people of Israel celebrate their 65th Independence Day, we look forward to continuing our friendship with Israel and building on the existing partnership between our countries in science, technology, security, and education. And we remain committed to working with Israelis and Palestinians to achieve urgent progress on a two-state solution, and to secure a future for both peoples at peace in the region.”
IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz: “For 65 years, Israel has had to fight and win. Every generation in its turn carries Israel’s security on its shoulders. And every generation in its turn, to our heart’s sorrow, is missing in its ranks the fallen IDF soldiers. Every war exacts from us a painful price in blood… But against an enemy that seeks to harm our civilians and our country, an enemy that has not come to terms with our existence in the Land of Israel, we have no other choice, but to fight and win.”
“Whether through Babak Zanjani, Dimitris Cambis, or tomorrow’s chosen accomplice, we will be relentless in exposing and thwarting Iran’s attempts to evade international sanctions and abuse the global financial system,” David S. Cohen, under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence at Treasury. (Source Ynet)
“We held very productive talks covering all aspects of the Syrian crisis. I welcomed the considerable progress already made by the Syrian Coalition in forming an effective and representative Interim Government, and discussed how the UK could best support it. As the executive arm of the Syrian Coalition, the Interim Government will have a vital role to play in delivering governance, services and support to the Syrian people. We discussed what further assistance the UK could provide to save lives in Syria, and how we could work together to ensure this support was channelled most effectively.”
“I am determined to not only to resume the peace process with the Palestinians but to make a serious effort to end this conflict once and for all.” (In remarks prior to meeting with Secretary of State John Kerry.)